Trio of T-Bird (W-Half Marathon) Runners Compete in Iowa
The T-Birds will compete at the 2025 NJCAA Half Marathon Championships in Fort Dodge, IA Tuesday, Nov. 11 starting at 10 a.m. CST.
The half marathon's 13.1 mile trail begins on Iowa Central CC's property and finishes at Lakeside Municipal GC.
In 2024, the T-Birds finished on the podium in third place at the Half Marathon Championships in Richmond, VA.
"I think that the group we got is a small group, but a good group. I think they should do really well going out there and competing," NMJC women's half marathon head coach Jeff Becker said. "It would be better off if we had a little bit more depth there. Overall, the women's group this year has battled injuries and stuff. We're also looking forward to next semester, so we want to stay healthy there and don't want to do anything that's going to cause us to not be successful on the track. The returners from 2024 should do really well and for them it's their opportunity to shine."
The team will feature two returners from last year's team and one newcomer.
Hadil Chiha is the top returner competing in the half marathon. Chiha ran a 1:28:08.40 to finish in 21st place in last year's competition.
Lisel Ndlovu is the only other runner for NMJC that returns from the race last season. The sophomore came in 25th place with a time of 1:31:40.50 in 2024.
Lindsey Lopes is the lone newcomer for NMJC that is set to run this week. Lopes is a sophomore transfer from Salt Lake CC and did not compete at the half marathon in 2024.
The Thunderbirds will be without their top runner Ines Mrabet who finished in 3rd place in 2024 with a time of 1:20.59.50.
Thunderbird fans can follow the race live by clicking this link.
